Buddha Shakyamuni

The Devas request the Bodhisattva to descend from Tushita Heaven and become a Buddha.
Queen Mahamaya dreams that a white elephant enters her side during conception.
A branch from the sala tree bends down for the queen to hold during childbirth. The boy, who is born from the queen's right side, can walk and talk immediately.
King Suddodhana and Brahmin truth tellers examine the newborn Bodhisattva.
The soothsayer Kaladevala, also called Asita, predicts that the Bodhisattva will become a Chakravartin or a Buddha.
The Bodhisattva meditates during his father's Plow Festival.
The Bodhisattva uses his archery skills to capture his future wife Yasodhara Rahulamata.
The Bodhisattva is married to Yasodhara in a huge ceremony.
The Prince shows his new wife to the people.
During an excursion, the Bodhisattva sees a sick man, an old man, a dead man and a monk.
The Bodhisattva sees his dancing girls and becomes aware of the vanity and moral corruption of the luxurious life.
The Bodhisattva casts a last glance at his wife and newborn son Rahula before giving up the worldly life.
The Bodhisattva leaves the palace on his horse Kanthaka, followed by his charioteer Chandaka.
He crosses the river Anoma, cuts off his knot of hair, and throws it into the air, where Sakka catches it.
The Bodhisattva tries to starve himself for six years. His 5 companions leave him when he stops.
On the morning of his Enlightenment, the milkmaid Sujata offers a meal of milk-rice.
The Buddha throws the bowl into the river Neranjara, where Naga Mahakala hears it.
He attains the 6 higher powers and sees the rebirth of beings and can remember all his past lives.
He resists the temptations of Mara's daughters Raga, Tanha and Arati.
Mara sends demons to disturb the Bodhisattva, who touches the Earth as a witness to his stability.
Buddha sits for a week in Jhana under the Ajapala-nigrodha banyan tree.
Mahabrahma Sahampati requests the Buddha to open the gates to immortality.
The Naga King Mucalinda protects the fasting Buddha in his third week after Enlightenment.
The Buddha descends after teaching the Abhidharma to the assembly of devas.
The Buddha is requested to teach on Earth.
The Buddha spins the Dharma Wheel for the five ascetics in the Deer Park.
The Buddha helps the sick and the dying and guides them through.
The Buddha visits his father King Suddhodana,
and his wife Yasodhara, in the city of Kapilavastu.
His son Rahula also becomes a monk, and later attains Enlightenment.
The Buddha shows his half-brother Nada the beauty of the divine nymphs and ordains him as a monk.
The Buddha explains the Breathing Meditation Anapana-sati, on a full moon night in November.
The Buddha knows that he has achieved all goals and gives up life.
He willfully accepts a piece of bad meat from Cunda and becomes very ill.
Soon after, the Buddha attains Paranirvana in the small town of Kusinara.

Here is an alternative image series of the Buddha's life. en alternativ billedserie af Buddhas liv

Here are 9 thangkas about the 12 Deeds of a Buddha. en Buddhas 12 Gerninger.

3 Comments

  1. Peter Yonten Gyatso
    20. February 2023 at 11:07 AM

    Hi Dear friends,
    I write from Czech republic, If I try to switch this subsite to english, it doesn’t allow it and it’s still in Danish. Just to mind you.
    The pictures here are so so good and illustrative. I remember how I was struck by painting of some situation of Jusus by Tizian at the age of 3-4. My first spiritual experience.
    All the best! I very appreciate you,
    Peter

    Reply
  2. Peggy Siow
    6. February 2025 at 2:29 PM

    Hi dear friend,
    These pictures are awesome.
    Recently we would like to have a vesak event, wanted to show the life of Buddha using these pictures.
    Would like to get your permission on getting high resolution pictures. Hope to get good news from you.

    Thank you very much _/\_

    Reply

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